ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take fire

idiom
Meaning

To be subjected to enemy attack with firearms; to be under fire.


Examples
SIMPLE

The soldiers had to take fire during the mission.

CONTEXTUAL

The patrol unit took fire as soon as they crossed the border, forcing them to retreat to safety.

COMPLEX

Despite the intense pressure of taking fire from the hidden enemy positions, the captain maintained his composure and successfully led his squad to the extraction point.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    add fuel to the fire

    To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.

  2. 02

    ball of fire

    A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.

  3. 03

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  4. 04

    catch fire

    To become engulfed in flames, to combust.

  5. 05

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  6. 06

    draw fire

    To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or other associates to gain an advantage over the distracted party.

  7. 07

    escape fire

    An unconventional or counterintuitive solution to a difficult problem.

  8. 08

    feed the fire

    Synonym of add fuel to the fire.

Last updated April 17, 2026